Lap splicing apparatus with the trailing tail end of the splice always on the same side

ABSTRACT

A lap splicing apparatus for lap splicing first and second webs together, with each of the first and second webs alternately constituting a running web and a new web to be spliced to the running web, includes a frame; a first spindle mounted at a first fixed position on the frame for holding a roll containing the first web at a first orientation; a second spindle mounted at a second fixed position on the frame for holding a roll containing the second web at the first orientation; a single lap splicing device immovably mounted at a fixed position on the frame for lap splicing the first and second webs together with the trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on the same side; a first transfer assembly of rollers for bringing the first web to the lap splicing device, and for turning the first web by at least one angle from the first orientation; and second transfer assembly of rollers for bringing the second web to the lap splicing device, and for turning the second web by at least one angle from the first orientation, such that the running web is at a first level and the new web is at a different, second level prior to the lap splicing operation, with the new web moving from the second level to the first level after the lap splicing operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for splicing websof material together, and more particularly, is directed to a lapsplicing apparatus in which the trailing tail end of the splice isalways on the same side without using any turret assembly for holdingthe rolls of web material.

In web transport machines, when a running web nears depletion, it isnecessary to splice the trailing end of the running web to the leadingend of a new web. There are different types of web splices.Specifically, there is a butt splice in which the ends of the webs areaccurately butted together in end to end relationship. The other type ofsplice is a lap splice in which the leading end of the new web has apiece of double-sided tape and the opposite side of the tape is adheredto the running web at a position offset from the trailing edge thereof.As a result, there is a tail at the trailing end of the running webwhich overlaps the leading end of the new web.

However, if the two rolls, that is, the roll nearing depletion and thenew roll, are fixed in position on spindles, and are then splicedtogether, the overlying tail of the running web will be on alternatesides of the spliced web during sequential splicing operations. Many endusers do not like this arrangement since it may cause problems with themachinery downstream of the splicing assembly. Specifically, the leadingedge of the new web on the side opposite from the tail can be caught ina mechanism downstream, which results in the machine being shut down,and the entire line of web material, which can be very long, beingrethreaded in the machine. Therefore, many end users require thetrailing tail end of the splice to be on the same side at all times.

In order to accomplish this, a turret assembly has generally be providedfor holding the two rolls of web material. In such case, the new roll isalways indexed to the same position during the splicing operation sothat the trailing tail end of the lap splice occurs on the same side atall times. However, this results in additional space being taken up andmore complicated machinery.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lapsplicing apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned problems with theprior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lap splicingapparatus in which the trailing tail end of the lap splice is providedon the same side at all times, without requiring any turret toreposition the rolls.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a lapsplicing apparatus in which the spindles for holding the rolls of webmaterial are fixed in position and the device for performing the lapsplicing is also mounted in a fixed position on a frame.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lapsplicing apparatus in which the webs are rotated by successive 90°angles from their original orientation between the roll mountingspindles and the single lap splicing device such that the trailing tailend of the lap splice occurs on the same side at all times.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lapsplicing apparatus in which the lap splicing device permits the runningweb to pass therethrough at a first level and holds the leading end ofthe new web at a different, second level spaced above the running webwhen no lap splicing is being performed, with the second level remainingthe same regardless of whether the running web is the first web or thesecond web, and then cuts the running web and brings the new web intolap splicing contact with the running web during a lap splicingoperation.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a lapsplicing apparatus which is easy and economical to use and manufacture.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a lap splicingapparatus is provided for lap splicing first and second webs together,with each of the first and second webs alternately constituting arunning web and a new web to be spliced to the running web. Theapparatus includes a frame; a first spindle mounted at a first fixedposition on the frame for holding a roll containing the first webthereon; and a second spindle mounted at a second fixed position on theframe for holding a roll containing the second web thereon. A single lapsplicing device is immovably mounted at a fixed position on the framefor lap splicing the first and second webs together with the trailingtail end of the lap splice always being on the same side. A firsttransfer assembly mounted to the frame for bringing the first web to thelap splicing device; and a second transfer assembly mounted to the framefor bringing the second web to the lap splicing device.

The single lap splicing device permits the running web to passtherethrough at a first level and includes a lap splicing device frame;a holding device for holding a leading end of the new web; a movingdevice at a fixed position on the lap splicing device frame for movingthe holding device between a first lap splicing position and a secondposition at which no lap splicing occurs, with the new web being held ata different, second level spaced from the running web in the secondposition such that the second level remains the same regardless ofwhether the running web is the first web or the second web; and acutting device for cutting the running web when the moving device movesthe holding device to the first position to bring the new web into lapsplicing contact with the running web during a lap splicing operationsuch that adhesive tape on the leading end of the new web adheres to thecut running web to lap splice the new web and the running web together,with the trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on the sameside.

The holding device includes a pressure plate having a plurality ofvacuum holes extending to an underside thereof, and a manifold forfluidly connecting a vacuum source with the vacuum holes to hold the newweb to the underside of the pressure plate. The lap splicing devicefurther includes a splice block, and a clamping device for clamping therunning web to the splice block to prevent movement thereof at the timeof a lap splicing operation. The clamping device includes a clamp studslidably extending through the pressure plate and having a clamp pad ata lower end thereof for clamping the running web to the splice block.The clamping device further includes a coil spring surrounding the clampstud and positioned between the clamp pad and the pressure plate to biasthe clamp pad in a direction toward the splice block.

The moving device includes a cylinder fixed to the lap splicing deviceframe; and at least one rod which is extendable and retractable by thecylinder and connected to the holding device for moving the holdingdevice toward and away from the running web. The lap splicing deviceframe includes a pivotal cover, and the cylinder is fixed to the coverto permit access to the holding device.

The cutting device includes a knife blade pivotally mounted upstream ofthe holding device between a first pivoted position above the runningweb and a second pivoted position below the running web, such that theknife blade cuts the running web when moved from the first position tothe second position; an arrangement for holding the knife blade stablyin the first position or the second position; and a second moving devicefor moving the knife blade transverse relative to the first movingdevice between a first transverse position in line with the running weband a second transverse position out of line with the running web. Theholding device impacts upon the knife blade when moving from the firstposition to the second position thereof to move the knife blade from thefirst pivoted position to the second pivoted position in order to cutthe running web and thereby position the knife blade below the runningweb, and after the knife blade returns to the first pivoted positionthereafter, the second moving assembly moves the knife blade to thesecond transverse position so that the spliced new web can assume theposition of the previous running web. The arrangement for stably holdingthe knife blade in the first pivoted position includes a stop pin.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a lapsplicing apparatus is provided for lap splicing first and second webstogether, with each of the first and second webs alternatelyconstituting a running web and a new web to be spliced to the runningweb. The apparatus includes a frame; a first spindle mounted at a firstfixed position on the frame for holding a first roll containing thefirst web thereon, such that the first web leaves the first roll at afirst orientation; and a second spindle mounted at a second fixedposition on the frame for holding a second roll containing the secondweb thereon, such that the second web leaves the second roll at thefirst orientation. A single lap splicing device is mounted on the framefor lap splicing the first and second webs together with the trailingtail end of the lap splice always being on the same side. A firsttransfer assembly of rollers is mounted to the frame for bringing thefirst web to the lap splicing device, the rollers of the first transferassembly being oriented to turn the first web by at least one angle fromthe first orientation such that the first web is at a first level whenconstituting the running web and at a different, second level whenconstituting the new web prior to a lap splicing operation, with the newweb moving from the second level to the first level after a lap splicingoperation. A second transfer assembly of rollers is mounted to the framefor bringing the second web to the lap splicing device, the rollers ofthe second transfer assembly being oriented to turn the second web by atleast one angle from the first orientation such that the second web isat the first level when constituting the running web and at the secondlevel when constituting the new web prior to the lap splicing operation,with the new web moving from the second level to the first level afterthe lap splicing operation.

The first and second spindles are mounted along first and second axes.The first transfer assembly includes a first guide roller having an axissubstantially transverse to the axis of the first spindle for rotatingthe orientation of the first web by substantially 90° from the firstorientation to a second orientation, and the lap splicing device rotatesthe first web back to the first orientation. In like manner, the secondtransfer assembly includes a second guide roller mounted to the frameand having an axis substantially transverse to the axis of the secondspindle for rotating the orientation of the second web by substantially90° from the first orientation to the second orientation; and the lapsplice device changes the orientation of the second web back to thefirst orientation.

The first transfer assembly includes another guide roller having an axissubstantially parallel to the axis of the first guide roller andinterposed between the first guide roller and the lap splicing device tomaintain the orientation of the first web at the second orientation, butto change the direction of movement of the first web. There is also adownstream guide roller having an axis substantially parallel to theaxes of the first and second spindles and interposed between the firstand second transfer assemblies and the lap splicing device to guide thewebs in the first orientation.

Preferably, the axis of the first and second spindles are horizontalaxes and the first orientation is a substantially horizontalorientation, and the axis of the first and second guide rollers aresubstantially vertical axes and the orientation of the web at the firstand second guide rollers is a substantially vertical orientation.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a lapsplicing apparatus is provided for lap splicing first and second webstogether, with each of the first and second webs alternatelyconstituting a running web and a new web to be spliced to the runningweb. The apparatus includes a frame; a first spindle mounted at a firstfixed position on the frame for holding a roll containing the first webthereon, such that the first web leaves the first roll at a firstorientation; and a second spindle mounted at a second fixed position onthe frame for holding a roll containing the second web thereon, suchthat the second web leaves the second roll at the first orientation. Asingle lap splicing device is immovably mounted at a fixed position onthe frame for lap splicing the first and second webs together with thetrailing tail end of the lap splice always being on the same side. Afirst transfer assembly of rollers is mounted to the frame for bringingthe first web to the lap splicing device, the rollers of the firsttransfer assembly being oriented to turn the first web by at least oneangle from the first orientation such that the first web is at a firstlevel when constituting the running web and at a different, second levelwhen constituting the new web prior to a lap splicing operation, withthe new web moving from the second level to the first level after a lapsplicing operation. A second transfer assembly of rollers is mounted tothe frame for bringing the second web to the lap splicing device, therollers of the second transfer assembly being oriented to turn thesecond web by at least one angle from the first orientation such thatthe second web is at the first level when constituting the running weband at the second level when constituting the new web prior to the lapsplicing operation, with the new web moving from the second level to thefirst level after the lap splicing operation.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become readily apparent from the following detaileddescription which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exit side end elevational view of a lap splicing apparatusaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the lap splicing apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lap splicing apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the lap splicing device of the lap splicingapparatus, partly in section;

FIG. 5 is an exit side end elevational view of the lap splicing device,partly cut away; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lap splicing device of FIG. 4,taken along line 6--6 thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1-3, a lapsplicing apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes aframe 12 having a first spindle 14 rotatably mounted at a first fixedposition and containing a roll 16 with a first web 18 thereon. A secondspindle 20 is rotatably mounted at a second fixed position on theopposite side of frame 12 for holding a roll 22 containing a second web24 of material thereon. The web material with which the presentinvention is intended to be used is preferably a narrow width webmaterial, as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, in the range ofapproximately one to three inches, although the present invention is notlimited thereby. Thus, the web material is preferably a narrow ribbonwhich can be easily turned in direction as will be understood from thedescription hereinafter.

First and second spindles 14 and 20 are rotatably mounted about parallelaxes. Each spindle can include an air chuck or other arrangement forfixedly holding respective rolls 16 and 22 thereon, with apparatus 10including air pressure ON/OFF switches 17a and 17b for activating anddeactivating the air chucks of the respective spindles 14 and 20.Spindles 14 and 20 are mounted on rotatable shafts 26 and 28 havingpulleys 30 and 32 mounted thereon. Drive motors 34 and 36 are mounted atthe top of frame 12, with pulleys 38 and 40 mounted to the output shaftsof drive motors 34 and 36. An endless belt 42 is wrapped about pulleys30 and 38, and an endless belt 44 is wrapped about pulleys 32 and 40such that drive motors 34 and 36 serve to rotate spindles 14 and 20 inorder to feed or stop the webs to control tension thereon.Alternatively, a brake system can be used for the webs, as is wellknown, in place of the motor driven system.

A feeler arm 37 is provided in contact with the surface of eachunwinding roll to detect when the roll nears depletion and a spliceoperation is to be performed. A switch (not shown) is then activated tostart the splice operation.

First web 18 travels from roll 16 downwardly and around the underside ofa horizontally oriented guide roller 46 to a vertically oriented guideroller 48 where first web 18 is rotated by 90° so as to pass aroundguide roller 48 and so as to be oriented in a vertical plane. From guideroller 48, first web 18 travels around a second vertically orientedguide roller 50. First web 18 is then rotated 90° again to be orientedin a horizontal plane and travels to a lap splice device 52 which willbe described in more detail hereinafter.

In like manner, second web 24 travels downwardly and around theunderside of a horizontally oriented guide roller 55, to and around avertically oriented guide roller 56 so that it is rotated by 90° so asto be oriented in a vertical plane. From guide roller 56, second web 24travels around a second vertically oriented guide roller 58, is thenrotated by 90° where it is oriented in a horizontal plane, and travelsto lap splice device 52. As shown best in FIG. 3, vertically orientedguide rollers 50 and 58 are close to one another. However, as will beunderstood from the description hereinafter, there is a spacing betweenguide rollers 50 and 58, and first and second webs 18 and 24 arearranged at different heights so as not to interfere with each other.Specifically, the running web 18 or 24 is at a lower position or leveland extends over a horizontally oriented guide roller 60 where it passesthrough lap splice device 52 and then over another horizontally orientedguide roller 62 to a festoon or accumulator 64, which is well-known inthe art and will not be described in detail hereinafter. Guide roller 60is omitted from FIG. 2.

When either web is a new web to be spliced to the running web, the newweb is provided at a higher position or level along roller 50 or 58, andis secured in lap splicing device 52 in a condition to be lap spliced tothe trailing end of the running web upon depletion thereof.

As a modification, rollers 48, 50, 56 and 58 can be replaced byconventional right angle turn bars to change the orientation of thewebs. In such case, wider webs can be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, a detailed description of lap splice device52 will now be provided.

Lap splice device 52 includes a housing 66 which is open at oppositesides 66b thereof to permit webs 18 and 24 to pass therethrough and isalso open at the upper end 66a thereof. A cover plate 68 is pivotallymounted at upper end 66a by opposite shoulder screws 70 mounted inflanged bearings 72 that are secured to pivot supports 74 at oppositesides at the upper end of housing 66. The opposite end of cover plate 68is provided with two downwardly extending latch plates 76 at oppositesides thereof. Each latch plate 76 has a catch 78 mounted thereto with aspring loaded pin 80 engageable within a recess in a plain bearing 82 ina respective side of frame 66. In this manner, cover plate 68 can belatched in the closed position. Catches 78 can be pulled outwardly, thatis, to the left in FIGS. 4 and 5 in order to remove pins 80 frombearings 82 against the force of the spring (not shown) therein, andthereby permit cover plate 68 to pivot about shoulder screws 70 to anopen or raised position.

A splice block 84 having a rubber pad 83 on the upper surface thereof,is mounted to the bottom of housing 66 and is in alignment with sideopenings 66b of housing 66. The running web R, whether web 18 or 24,extends from horizontal guide roller 60, through one open side 66b, overthe upper edge of rubber pad 83 of splice block 84 and through theopposite open side 66b to horizontal guide roller 62.

A new web holding assembly is mounted to cover plate 68. Specifically, apressure plate 85 is movably supported at the underside of cover plate68 and has a rubber pad 86 mounted to the underside thereof, with rubberpad 86 having similar dimensions to the upper surface of splice block84. A plurality of vacuum holes 88 extend through pressure plate 85 andrubber pad 86 and are connected to a manifold 90 extending throughpressure plate 85, with manifold 90 being connected to a vacuum source92. In this manner, the leading end of a new web N, whether it be web 18or 24, can be adhered by vacuum to the underside of rubber pad 86 forpreparation in a lap splicing operation. Adhesive tape 94 can be securedto the leading end of new web N that is vacuum held to rubber pad 86.Alternatively, any other means for holding new web N to rubber pad 86can be provided, such as clips, clamps, etc.

Pressure plate 85 is secured to lower ends of extension rods 96 thatslidably extend through openings 98 in cover plate 68. Extension rods 96form part of a non-rotating cylinder 100 that is mounted to the uppersurface of cover plate 68. Accordingly, when extension rods 96 areextended from cylinder 100 so as to move downwardly in FIG. 5, they movepressure plate 85, and thereby new web N, into engagement with runningweb R in order to splice the webs together. At such time, adhesive tape94 serves to adhere running web R and new web N together.

A clamp mount 102 is fixed to the exit end of pressure plate 85 and hasan opening with a plain bearing 104 therein. A clamp stud 106 slidablyextends through plain bearing 104 with a stop nut 108 mounted to theupper end of clamp stud 106 to prevent escape of clamp stud 106 fromplain bearing 104. A clamp pad 110 is fixed to the lower end of clampstud 106, with a rubber pad 112 fixed to the underside of clamp pad 110.A compression spring 114 extends around clamp stud 106 and between theunderside of clamp mount 102 and the upper surface of clamp pad 110 inorder to normally bias clamp stud 106 downwardly to the position shownin FIG. 6. Thus, when pressure plate 85 moves downwardly, rubber pad 112functions to clamp running web R to the upper surface of splice block 84in order to prevent movement of running web R. Of course, downstreamtherefrom, running web R continues to run due to festoon 64. At thistime, tape 94 can be adhered to running web R that is clamped with newweb N, tape 94 and running web R being pressure sandwiched betweenrubber pad 83 of splice block 84 and rubber pad 86.

As will be appreciated, it is necessary to cut running web R so that,after the splice takes effect, new web N becomes the running web. Inthis regard, a cutting assembly 116 is provided in lap splice device 52.Specifically, a generally triangular shaped movable blade 118 having alower cutting surface 118a is pivotally mounted by a shoulder screw 120in a plain bearing 122 mounted to a blade fixing extension 124 of aplate 126. The lower portion of the right side edge 118b of blade 118,as viewed in FIG. 5, is cut away to provide an angled surface 128.

A spring anchor pin 130 is fixed to blade fixing extension 124 at aposition above blade 118, and a second spring anchor pin 132 is fixed toa side surface of blade 118, with an extension spring 134 extendingbetween pins 130 and 132 to bias blade 118 in the clockwise directionabout shoulder screw 120 such that right side edge 118b of blade 118 isparallel with and in abutment with plate 126. A stop pin 127 is mountedto blade fixing extension 124 and against which the upper surface ofblade 118 abuts, to limit the clockwise rotation of blade 118 to theposition shown in FIG. 5.

When pressure plate 85 moves downwardly, a pusher plate 136 (FIG. 6)secured to the bottom of pressure plate 85, pushes down the uppersurface of blade 118 so that blade 118 pivots in the counter-clockwisedirection of FIG. 5 about shoulder screw 120 and cuts running web R. Itwill be appreciated that, during this time, new web N is positionedbetween pressure plate 136 and the upper surface of blade 118 but is notcut since the upper surface is not sharp. In addition, prior to thecutting operation, rubber pad 112 has already clamped running web Rdownstream from the cutting position.

After blade 118 has been rotated about shoulder screw 120 to perform thecutting operation, blade 118 is positioned below running web R and isretained in that position by pressure plate 136.

Upon continued downward movement of pressure plate 85, tape 94 isadhered to running web R. Then, pressure plate 85 is moved upwardly,whereby pressure pad 112 releases running web R so that running web Rcontinues to be pulled into festoon 64. At this time, the new web Nbecomes the running web R. At the same time, knife blade 118 is rotatedby spring 134 in the clockwise direction to the orientation shown inFIG. 5. Then, plate 126 is moved to the right in FIG. 5 by means of acylinder 138 mounted to frame 66 and having an extension rod 140connected with plate 126. After the new running web moves down ontosplice block 84, extension rod 140 is moved to the left in FIG. 5 toagain move knife blade 118 above the new running web R. Thus, movementof knife blade 118 to the right in FIG. 5 permits the new web N to movedownwardly and become the new running web after a splice operation.

It will be appreciated that the new web N was positioned at a higherposition or level on vertical guide roller 50 or 58 since it was securedto rubber pad 86 by a vacuum at a higher position immediately belowcover plate 68. However, when new web N becomes the running web, it ismoved down to the same position previously held by running web R so thatit moves down to a lower level or position on vertical guide roller 50or 58 and then becomes the new running web.

Thereafter, the deleted roll of the previous running web R is removedand replaced with a new roll which travels around the respective guiderollers at the higher position or level on the latter, and is thensecured by vacuum to rubber pad 86.

Because of this arrangement, the new web N, regardless of whether it isformed by first web 18 or second web 24, is always at a higher positionor level than the running web R and is then moved downwardly during asplicing operation to form the new running web which stays in the lowerposition or level. As a result, the tail of the running web R alwaysremains on the same, lower side of the lap splice, regardless of whetherfirst web 18 or second web 24 is the new web N or the running web R.Further, this is accomplished without any turret assembly and withoutmoving the splice assembly between different orientations for thedifferent webs.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the presentinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will beappreciated that the present invention is not limited to that preciseembodiment, and that various changes and modifications can be effectedtherein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lap splicing apparatus for lap splicing firstand second webs together, with each of said first and second websalternately constituting a running web and a new web to be spliced tothe running web, said apparatus comprising:a frame; a first spindlemounted at a first fixed position on said frame for holding a rollcontaining the first web thereon; a second spindle mounted at a secondfixed position on said frame for holding a roll containing the secondweb thereon; a single lap splicing device immovably mounted at a fixedposition on said frame for lap splicing the first and second webstogether with a trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on thesame side; a first transfer assembly mounted to the frame for bringingthe first web to said lap splicing device, said first transfer assemblyincluding at least one roller mounted to the frame for bringing thefirst web to said lap splicing device, said at least one roller beingoriented to turn said first web by at least one angle, each roller ofsaid first transfer assembly having a longitudinal axis about which therespective roller can be rotated and being fixed in position so as to bemovable only for rotation along the respective longitudinal axisthereof; and a second transfer assembly mounted to the frame forbringing the second web to said lap splicing device, said secondtransfer assembly including at least one roller mounted to the frame forbringing the second web to said lag splicing device, said at least oneroller of said second transfer assembly being oriented to turn saidsecond web by at least one angle, each roller of said second transferassembly having a longitudinal axis about which the respective rollercan be rotated and being fixed in position so as to be movable only forrotation along the respective longitudinal axis thereof.
 2. A lapsplicing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said single lapsplicing device permits the running web to pass therethrough at a firstlevel and includes:a lap splicing device frame; a holding device forholding a leading end of the new web; a moving device at a fixedposition on the lap splicing device frame for moving the holding devicebetween a first lap splicing position and a second position at which nolap splicing occurs, with the new web being held at a different, secondlevel spaced from the running web in the second position such that thesecond level remains the same regardless of whether the running web isthe first web or the second web; and a cutting device for cutting therunning web when the moving device moves the holding device to the firstposition to bring the new web into lap splicing contact with the runningweb during a lap splicing operation such that adhesive tape on theleading end of the new web adheres to the cut running web to lap splicethe new web and the running web together, with the trailing tail end ofthe lap splice always being on the same side.
 3. A lap splicingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein said holding device includes apressure plate having a plurality of vacuum holes extending to anunderside thereof, and a manifold for fluidly connecting a vacuum sourcewith the vacuum holes to hold the new web to the underside of thepressure plate.
 4. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 2,wherein said lap splicing device further includes:a splice block, and aclamping device for clamping the running web to the splice block toprevent movement thereof at the time of a lap splicing operation.
 5. Alap splicing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said moving deviceincludes:a cylinder fixed to the lap splicing device frame; and at leastone rod which is extendable and retractable by said cylinder andconnected to said holding device for moving said holding device towardand away from said running web.
 6. A lap splicing apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein said lap splicing device frame includes a pivotallymounted cover, and said cylinder is fixed to said cover to permit accessto said holding device.
 7. A lap splicing apparatus for lap splicingfirst and second webs together, with each of said first and second websalternately constituting a running web and a new web to be spliced tothe running web, said apparatus comprising:a frame; a first spindlemounted at a first fixed position on said frame for holding a rollcontaining the first web thereon; a second spindle mounted at a secondfixed position on said frame for holding a roll containing the secondweb thereon; a single lap splicing device immovably mounted at a fixedposition on said frame for lap splicing the first and second webstogether with a trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on thesame side, said single lap splicing device permitting the running web topass therethrough at a first level and including:a lap splicing deviceframe; a holding device for holding a leading end of the new web; amoving device at a fixed position on the lap splicing device frame formoving the holding device between a first lap splicing position and asecond position at which no lap splicing occurs, with the new web beingheld at a different, second level spaced from the running web in thesecond position such that the second level remains the same regardlessof whether the running web is the first web or the second web; a cuttingdevice for cutting the running web when the moving device moves theholding device to the first position to bring the new web into laysplicing contact with the running web during a lap splicing operationsuch that adhesive tape on the leading end of the new web adheres to thecut running web to lap splice the new web and the running web together,with the trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on the sameside; a splice block; and a clamping device for clamping the running webto the splice block to prevent movement thereof at the time of a lapsplicing operation, said clamping device including a clamp stud slidablyextending through said holding device and having a clamp pad at a lowerend thereof for clamping the running web to the splice block; a firsttransfer assembly mounted to the frame for bringing the first web tosaid lap splicing device; and a second transfer assembly mounted to theframe for bringing the second web to said lap splicing device.
 8. A lapsplicing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said clamping devicefurther includes a coil spring surrounding said clamp stud andpositioned between said clamp pad and said holding device to bias saidclamp pad in a direction toward said splice block.
 9. A lap splicingapparatus for lap splicing first and second webs together, with each ofsaid first and second webs alternately constituting a running web and anew web to be spliced to the running web, said apparatus comprising:aframe; a first spindle mounted at a first fixed position on said framefor holding a roll containing the first web thereon; a second spindlemounted at a second fixed position on said frame for holding a rollcontaining the second web thereon; a single lap splicing deviceimmovably mounted at a fixed position on said frame for lap splicing thefirst and second webs together with a trailing tail end of the lapsplice always being on the same side, said single lap splicing devicepermitting the running web to pass therethrough at a first level andincluding:a lap splicing device frame; a holding device for holding aleading end of the new web; a moving device at a fixed position on thelap splicing device frame for moving the holding device between a firstlap splicing position and a second position at which no lap splicingoccurs, with the new web being held at a different, second level spacedfrom the running web in the second position such that the second levelremains the same regardless of whether the running web is the first webor the second web: and a cutting device for cutting the running web whenthe moving device moves the holding device to the first position tobring the new web into lap splicing contact with the running web duringa lap splicing operation such that adhesive tape on the leading end ofthe new web adheres to the cut running web to lap splice the new web andthe running web together, with the trailing tail end of the lap splicealways being on the same side, said cutting device including:a knifeblade pivotally mounted upstream of the holding device between a firstpivoted position above the running web and a second pivoted positionbelow the running web, such that the knife blade cuts the running webwhen moved from the first position to the second position; anarrangement for holding the knife blade stably in the first position orthe second position; and a second moving device for moving the knifeblade transverse relative to the first moving device between a firsttransverse position in line with the running web and a second transverseposition out of line with the running web; a first transfer assemblymounted to the frame for bringing the first web to said lap splicingdevice; and a second transfer assembly mounted to the frame for bringingthe second web to said lap splicing device.
 10. A lap splicing apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein said holding device impacts upon saidknife blade when moving from the first position to the second positionthereof to move the knife blade from the first pivoted position to thesecond pivoted position in order to cut the running web and therebyposition said knife blade below said running web, and after the knifeblade returns to the first pivoted position, thereafter, said secondmoving assembly moves said knife blade to said second transverseposition so that said spliced new web can assume the position of theprevious running web.
 11. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim10, wherein said arrangement for stably holding the knife blade in thefirst pivoted position includes a stop pin.
 12. A lap splicing apparatusfor lap splicing first and second webs together, with each of said firstand second webs alternately constituting a running web and a new web tobe spliced to the running web, said apparatus comprising:a frame; afirst spindle mounted at a first fixed position on said frame forholding a first roll containing the first web thereon, such that saidfirst web leaves said first roll at a first orientation; a secondspindle mounted at a second fixed position on said frame for holding asecond roll containing the second web thereon, such that said second webleaves said second roll at said first orientation; a single lap splicingdevice mounted on said frame for lap splicing the first and second webstogether with a trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on thesame side; a first transfer assembly of rollers mounted to the frame forbringing the first web to said lap splicing device, said rollers of saidfirst transfer assembly being oriented to turn said first web by atleast one angle from said first orientation such that said first web isat a first level when constituting said running web and at a different,second level when constituting said new web prior to a lap splicingoperation, with said new web moving from said second level to said firstlevel after a lap splicing operation; and a second transfer assembly ofrollers mounted to the frame for bringing the second web to said lapsplicing device, said rollers of said second transfer assembly beingoriented to turn said second web by at least one angle from said firstorientation such that said second web is at said first level whenconstituting said running web and at said second level when constitutingsaid new web prior to the lap splicing operation, with said new webmoving from said second level to said first level after the lap splicingoperation.
 13. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 12,wherein:said first and second spindles are mounted along first andsecond axes, said first transfer assembly includes a first guide rollerhaving an axis substantially transverse to the axis of said firstspindle for rotating the orientation of the first web by substantially90° from said first orientation to a second orientation, and said lapsplicing device rotates said first web back to said first orientation,said second transfer assembly includes a second guide roller mounted tothe frame and having an axis substantially transverse to the axis of thesecond spindle for rotating the orientation of the second web bysubstantially 90° from said first orientation to said secondorientation, and said lap splice device changes the orientation of saidsecond web back to said first orientation.
 14. A lap splicing apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein said first transfer assembly includes athird guide roller having an axis substantially parallel to the axis ofsaid first guide roller and interposed between said first guide rollerand said lap splicing device to maintain the orientation of said firstweb at said second orientation, but to change the direction of movementof said first web.
 15. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 13,further including a downstream guide roller having an axis substantiallyparallel to the axes of said first and second spindles and interposedbetween said first and second transfer assemblies and said lap splicingdevice to guide the webs in said first orientation.
 16. A lap splicingapparatus according to claim 13, wherein said axes of said first andsecond spindles are horizontal axes and said first orientation is asubstantially horizontal orientation, and the axes of said first andsecond guide rollers are substantially vertical axes and the orientationof the web at said first and second guide rollers is a substantiallyvertical orientation.
 17. A lap splicing apparatus for lap splicingfirst and second webs together, with each of said first and second websalternately constituting a running web and a new web to be spliced tothe running web, said apparatus comprising:a frame; a first spindlemounted at a first fixed position on said frame for holding a rollcontaining the first web thereon, such that said first web leaves saidfirst roll at a first orientation; a second spindle mounted at a secondfixed position on said frame for holding a roll containing the secondweb thereon, such that said second web leaves said second roll at saidfirst orientation; a single lap splicing device immovably mounted at afixed position on said frame for lap splicing the first and second webstogether with a trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on thesame side; a first transfer assembly of rollers mounted to the frame forbringing the first web to said lap splicing device, said rollers of saidfirst transfer assembly being oriented to turn said first web by atleast one angle from said first orientation such that said first web isat a first level when constituting said running web and at a different,second level when constituting said new web prior to a lap splicingoperation, with said new web moving from said second level to said firstlevel after a lap splicing operation; and a second transfer assembly ofrollers mounted to the frame for bringing the second web to said lapsplicing device, said rollers of said second transfer assembly beingoriented to turn said second web by at least one angle from said firstorientation such that said second web is at said first level whenconstituting said running web and at said second level when constitutingsaid new web prior to the lap splicing operation, with said new webmoving from said second level to said first level after the lap splicingoperation.
 18. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 17, whereinsaid single lap splicing device permits the running web to passtherethrough at a first level and includes:a lap splicing device frame;a holding device for holding a leading end of the new web; a movingdevice at a fixed position on the lap splicing device frame for movingthe holding device between a first lap splicing position and a secondposition at which no lap splicing occurs, with the new web being held ata different, second level spaced from the running web in the secondposition such that the second level remains the same regardless ofwhether the running web is the first web or the second web; and acutting device for cutting the running web when the moving device movesthe holding device to the first position to bring the new web into lapsplicing contact with the running web during a lap splicing operationsuch that adhesive tape on the leading end of the new web adheres to thecut running web to lap splice the new web and the running web together,with the trailing tail end of the lap splice always being on the sameside.
 19. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein saidholding device includes a pressure plate having a plurality of vacuumholes extending to an underside thereof, and a manifold for fluidlyconnecting a vacuum source with the vacuum holes to hold the new web tothe underside of the pressure plate.
 20. A lap splicing apparatusaccording to claim 18, wherein said lap splicing device furtherincludes:a splice block, and a clamping device for clamping the runningweb to the splice block to prevent movement thereof at the time of a lapsplicing operation.
 21. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 20,wherein said clamping device includes a clamp stud slidably extendingthrough said pressure plate and having a clamp pad at a lower endthereof for clamping the running web to the splice block.
 22. A lapsplicing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said clamping devicefurther includes a coil spring surrounding said clamp stud andpositioned between said clamp pad and said pressure plate to bias saidclamp pad in a direction toward said splice block.
 23. A lap splicingapparatus according to claim 18, wherein said moving device includes:acylinder fixed to the lap splicing device frame; and at least one rodwhich is extendable and retractable by said cylinder and connected tosaid holding device for moving said holding device toward and away fromsaid running web.
 24. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 23,wherein said lap splicing device frame includes a pivotally mountedcover, and said cylinder is fixed to said cover to permit access to saidholding device.
 25. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 18,wherein said cutting device includes:a knife blade pivotally mountedupstream of the holding device between a first pivoted position abovethe running web and a second pivoted position below the running web,such that the knife blade cuts the running web when moved from the firstposition to the second position; an arrangement for holding the knifeblade stably in the first position or the second position; and a secondmoving device for moving the knife blade transverse relative to thefirst moving device between a first transverse position in line with therunning web and a second transverse position out of line with therunning web.
 26. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 25, whereinsaid holding device impacts upon said knife blade when moving from thefirst position to the second position thereof to move the knife bladefrom the first pivoted position to the second pivoted position in orderto cut the running web and thereby position said knife blade below saidrunning web, and after the knife blade returns to the first pivotedposition thereafter, said second moving assembly moves said knife bladeto said second transverse position so that said spliced new web canassume the position of the previous running web.
 27. A lap splicingapparatus according to claim 26, wherein said arrangement for stablyholding the knife blade in the first pivoted position includes a stoppin.
 28. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein:saidfirst and second spindles are mounted along first and second axes, saidfirst transfer assembly includes a first guide roller having an axissubstantially transverse to the axis of said first spindle for rotatingthe orientation of the first web by substantially 90° from said firstorientation to a second orientation, and said lap splicing devicerotates said first web back to said first orientation, said secondtransfer assembly includes a second guide roller mounted to the frameand having an axis substantially transverse to the axis of the secondspindle for rotating the orientation of the second web by substantially90° from said first orientation to said second orientation, and said lapsplice device changes the orientation of said second web back to saidorientation.
 29. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 28, whereinsaid first transfer assembly includes a third guide roller having anaxis substantially parallel to the axis of said first guide roller andinterposed between said first guide roller and said lap splicing deviceto maintain the orientation of said first web at said secondorientation, but to change the direction of movement of said first web.30. A lap splicing apparatus according to claim 28, further including adownstream guide roller having an axis substantially parallel to theaxes of said first and second spindles and interposed between said firstand second transfer assemblies and said lap splicing device to guide thewebs in said first orientation.
 31. A lap splicing apparatus accordingto claim 28, wherein said axes of said first and second spindles arehorizontal axes and said first orientation is a substantially horizontalorientation, and the axes of said first and second guide rollers aresubstantially vertical axes and the orientation of the web at said firstand second guide rollers is a substantially vertical orientation.